Local is lekker

The teachers at the Jujurha Education Centre are encouraged to use materials and resources from the local environment in their classroom activities.

Phikiswa and Nangamso (teachers in the 4-5 year age group) were recently busy with the theme of Homes (of people, animals, insects etc). As part of the theme-related activities, the children looked at pictures of birds’ nests, discussed them and then went out and collected grass and feathers in the fields around the school. The grass and feathers were added to recycled yoghurt & other containers to create these beautiful nests. As the final touch, the children added plasticine eggs!

These beautiful nests were created by the children

The classrooms are filled with the children's creations

On a recent outing to the beach, the children collected a variety of beautiful sea plants, shells and creatures. These made guest appearances in the classroom before being safely returned to their natural environment.

wow! it moves!

The sea life in the classrooms evoked much interest and excitement

We also use creative activities to deal with local issues of concern. As an example, the teachers have been working with children to try to address the harsh treatment of animals in our village, even by very young children who wield sticks and throw stones all too easily. Each teacher is addressing this issue in an age appropriate way with her class and it is visible in the creative work adorning the classroom walls, using a variety of materials and techniques within a developmental framework. Discussions, questions, games, puzzles, songs and dances have all been used to good effect, encompassing many different animals, domestic and wild, with which they are familiar.

And of course, our beautiful setting also provides wonderful inspiration for creative activities!!

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One Comment

Dear Annette, Funeka, Phikiswe, Nangamso, Xolisa, Nokonwaba, et all,
Yho, yho yho! These photos and commentary are so positive and get right to the heart of the issues of holistic early childhood development in Nqileni. Good work!

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The Start of the Bulungula Incubator

Our work in the area began with the establishment of the Bulungula Lodge in 2004 (www.bulungula.com) on the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The Lodge is community owned, Fair Trade accredited, and uses renewable energy, composting toilets and harvests sustainable rain and ground water sources. In 2007, an appeal to previous guests of the Lodge seed funded our NGO, the Bulungula Incubator, which we established in 2007 to address the challenges of rural poverty in our community while promoting and preserving the positive effects of the traditional African lifestyle and culture.